Manager, Investigations & Employee Relations

Job Description

The Opportunity: 

Mattel’s Ethics & Compliance team is seeking a Manager, Investigations & Employee Relations to lead and conduct compliance and workplace investigations across the United States. We are looking for an experienced investigator and employee relations professional who can ensure concerns are addressed in a timely, thorough, objective, and consistent manner while fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and respect.

This individual will manage complex employee relations matters and compliance investigations, partnering closely with People & Culture Business Partners, Employment Law, Security, IT, Internal Audit, and other cross-functional stakeholders. The ideal candidate will demonstrate sound judgment, strong investigative expertise, and the ability to navigate sensitive workplace issues while balancing business needs, and employee experience.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

Workplace Investigations

• Conduct end-to-end workplace investigations involving allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, misconduct, policy violations, and other employee concerns.
• Gather and analyze evidence, conduct interviews, assess credibility, and make objective findings based on facts and applicable policies.
• Prepare clear, concise, and fact-based investigation documentation, including interview notes, case summaries, findings, and recommendations.
• Manage investigations in a timely manner while maintaining consistency, objectivity, confidentiality, and adherence to Compliance and investigative best practices.
• Present investigation findings, risk assessments, and recommendations to Employment Law, People & Culture, and business leaders to support informed decision-making and appropriate corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records within Mattel's centralized case management system.

Employee Relations & Stakeholder Partnership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to People & Culture Business Partners and business leaders on complex employee relations matters, balancing business objectives, operational impact, and employee experience.
• Facilitate conflict resolution and mediation efforts to address workplace concerns and support sustainable outcomes.
• Build strong partnerships across the organization and effectively engage with employees at all levels.
• Maintain the highest standards of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality in handling sensitive employee matters.

Compliance, Risk Management & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with Compliance colleagues to identify opportunities to enhance investigative processes, controls, policies, training, and risk mitigation efforts.
• Analyze investigation trends and root causes to help inform proactive compliance and employee relations strategies.
• Participate in quarterly reviews with external auditors regarding investigatory matters, controls, and related processes.
• Partner with People & Culture Business Partners on the development and delivery of training programs related to workplace conduct, investigations, and employee relations.
• Support regional and global investigations, as needed, in partnership with the Sr. Director, Global Investigations & Employee Relations and local People & Culture teams.

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For:

• 5+ years of experience conducting end-to-end workplace investigations involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, misconduct, and other complex employee relations matters.
• Demonstrated knowledge and practical application of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Strong investigative interviewing, fact-finding, analysis, documentation, and report-writing skills.
• Experience managing sensitive and challenging conversations with employees and leaders at all levels.
• Ability to establish credibility, build trust, and maintain effective partnerships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and time-management skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-volume environment while adapting to changing business needs.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, collaboration, presentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment and maintaining confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Professional certifications such as AWI-CH, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or similar credentials.
• Experience using NAVEX or other case management and ethics reporting platforms.
• Written and verbal proficiency in Spanish.
• Experience supporting investigations across multiple jurisdictions and/or global organizations.

*The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential. 

Additional Information

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Join Mattel's Talent Community and start receiving exciting updates about our company, our employees, and our culture. Also, interested in signing up for job alerts? Do so here!

How We Work:
We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Who We Are:
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Corporate Philanthropy